All Blacks XV player ratings vs Brave Blossoms
The All Blacks XV had an entertaining 41-27 win over Japan in sticky conditions in Tokyo with All Blacks XV centre Billy Procter a standout with four tries.
Here’s how the All Blacks XV rated in the second match against the Brave Blossoms:
1. Aidan Ross – 6/10
The All Blacks XV scrum feared better when Ross was on the field. Doesn’t offer the same dynamism around the paddock as incumbent All Blacks Ethan De Groot and Tamati Williams.
2. George Bell – 7
The 2022 New Zealand Under 20 representative was called into the squad earlier in the week for Asafo Aumua. Bell performed honourably with accurate lineout throwing and solid industry around the field. A good young prospect.
3. Jermaine Ainsley – 7
A strong tour for the former Wallaby. Produced some strong carries and held up at scrum time in the humidity for the most part.
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi – 8
Robust defense, including a vital turnover when Japan was on the attack. Accurate lineout work.
5. Quinten Strange – 6
Tidy lineout work. In an injury-plagued season, another one to benefit considerably from more game time.
6. Akira Ioane – 6
Toiled gamely on defense but had little impact with the ball in hand. Appears to be a long way behind incumbent All Blacks Shannon Frizell and Samipeni Finau.
7. Billy Harmon – 7
Usual pest at the breakdown, so quick on the ball. The respect in which he is held was shown in his appointment as vice-captain.
8. Pita Gus Sowakula – 7
Strong defensively but was quieter than usual (tightly marked) with the ball in hand.
9. Brad Weber – 8
Was involved in the lead-up to two tries, kicked a 50/22, and passed with real gusto. A timely reminder by Weber of his quality though sometimes his box kicking was a little shallow.
10. Stephen Perofeta – 8
Regular minutes in his best position are invaluable for Perofeta. Silky skills are a delight to watch and a major threat against any defense.
11. Jona Nareki – 7
Had a hand in two tries and kicked a 50/22. A lively performance from the Highlanders Fijian flyer.
12. Jack Goodhue – 7
Direct running often punctured the hosts’ defense. Lovely touches in the creation of two tries. Might be the last time Goodhue is seen in a black jersey and that’s a shame. A quality performer hard done by injury.
13. Billy Proctor – 9
Dropping a hurried pass from Perofeta was the only blemish in a memorable night for the Hurricanes centre. His exceptional support play and hard work defensively make him a favourite of coaches.
14. AJ Lam – 6
Finished a Love break and kick brilliantly but otherwise had few chances to shine.
15. Ruben Love – 8
Set up two tries, the first with an incisive run and the second with two quick kicks that traveled 80m. A try-saving tackle on Semisi Masirewa, who scored two second-half tries, was another quality moment.
Reserves
16. Tyrone Thompson – 4 – Wayward lineout throwing invited Japan back into the contest.
17. Ollie Norris – 6 – Resisted a fast-finishing Japanese scrum. A couple of big hits defensively.
18. George Dyer – N/A – Didn’t feature long enough to rate.
19. Cameron Suafoa – N/A – Didn’t feature long enough to rate.
20. Christian Lio-Willie – 7 – Big carry relieved pressure when the All Blacks XV were squeezed at a scrum inside their own 22 when Japan was charging. Busy and bustling from a real Crusaders 2023 hero.
21. Folau Fakatava – 4 – Lacked the spark of last week as the All Blacks XV wanned at the finish.
22. Alex Nankivell 6 – Not a long shift, but solid on defense and made the advantage line with a couple of carries.
23. Sam Gilbert N/A – Didn’t feature long enough to rate.
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments